Amid LNG Boom, Moran Towing Acquires Bisso

Moran Towing Corporation announced October 2 that it has acquired Bisso Towboat Company as a long-term investment in the ongoing growth of New Orleans and the Lower Mississippi River region. Moran, which was founded in 1860 and is privately owned and operated, offers ship assist services in 17 ports along the U.S. East and Gulf coasts and has operated in New Orleans since 2006.

The acquisition comes as exports of liquefied natural gas from the Gulf are soaring, with south Louisiana leading the world in LNG exports.

Moran Towing Corporation is headquartered in New Canaan, Conn. Originally a towing provider in New York City, Moran has evolved into a leading marine service provider in the United States. Besides operating in ports along the East and Gulf coasts, Moran also services seven LNG terminals. The company also transports liquid and dry bulk cargo with its fleet of liquid and dry bulk barges. In addition to its maritime services, Moran offers capabilities in environmental and industrial services, commercial diving and marine construction.

Bisso was founded in 1890 in New Orleans, where its headquarters remain to this day. The company is known for its modern fleet of 10 ASD tractor tugs. Bisso’s newest ASD tractor tug came online just last year, and overall the average age of its fleet is just over 11 years. Like Moran, Bisso Towboat is privately owned and operated.

“Bisso has deservedly earned a reputation as a high-quality operator who deeply values its long-term customer relationships, and treats its employees with respect,” said Ted Tregurtha, president and CEO of Moran Towing Corporation. “We are thrilled to welcome Bisso to the Moran team. This acquisition reflects our commitment to serve the growing needs of New Orleans and the Lower Mississippi River communities where we operate for decades to come.”

Scott Slatten, president of Bisso Towboat, emphasized the two companies’ similar missions and visions.

“When we first explored this opportunity with Moran, we were struck by our many shared values: prioritizing our employees, providing safe and reliable operations to customers and partners and continuous investing in the long-term health and growth of the business,” Slatten said.

LNG Booming

U.S. LNG exports hit a record high in September at 9.4 million metric tons, up from a previous record 9.3 million metric tons in August, according to preliminary data from financial firm LSEG. The United States was the world’s largest liquefied natural gas exporter in 2024, with Louisiana accounting for about 61 percent of total LNG shipments. Texas, the second biggest exporter, was the source of about 31 percent of the U.S. LNG shipped overseas in 2024, according to The Center Square.

According to weekly data compiled by Bloomberg, 81 LNG tankers left Louisiana export terminals between September 3 and October 1, representing 67 percent of total U.S. shipments during the four-week period. During the same time frame, 35 LNG tankers departed Texas export facilities, while three shipments left terminals in Virginia and Georgia, according to Bloomberg.

Cheniere Energy’s Sabine Pass facility in Cameron Parish, La., the world’s largest export terminal with a capacity of 29.5 million tons per year, shipped 32 cargos in September.

Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has advanced U.S. energy production and exports through executive orders and policies that streamline the permitting process on LNG projects and reduce regulatory burdens on existing export facilities. Commonwealth’s LNG facility in Cameron Parish was authorized in February to export up to 1.21 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day to non-FTA countries. In August, Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass LNG project was approved for an increase in liquefaction capacity from 12.0 to 12.4 million tons per year.

Plaquemines LNG, Venture Global’s export terminal on the east bank of the Lower Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish, La., came online in 2024 and is already in the midst of an expansion.

Strong sales to Europe and Asia drove record LNG sales in September, according to LSEG. Europe received about 6.22 million metric tons, or about 66 percent of all September LNG shipments from American ports. Asian nations received about 1.63 million metric tons in September, or 17 percent of total U.S. exports. Africa and Latin American nations received a combined 1.63 million metric tons in September, or about 15 percent of U.S. LNG exports.

With reporting by The Center Square.

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Featured photo caption: An aerial view of Plaquemines LNG, Venture Global’s export terminal on the west bank of the Lower Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish, La. (Photo courtesy of Venture Global)